Delian in Italy

Hello, everyone. I am Delian, a youth who is very passionate about volunteering. 

I am a Vice President in Human Resources in one of the student organizations in my university city, also a student ambassador and European Solidarity Crops (ESC) dreamer. 

I am Delian, originally from Burma (Myanmar), studying in Pécs, Hungary, majoring in Psychology BA. 

Let’s get into my volunteering journey, eventually how I found out ESC and how it shapes my life. 

To go back into my volunteering journey, I first must talk about my study abroad journey. Burma is politically and economically challenging country. Due to the dictatorship and civil war in my country, I have no choice left but to get out of the country as soon as possible. The best option is to study abroad since I will be able to pursue the degree I love and follow my dreams.

When I first arrived in Hungary, I have no volunteering experiences. What is much worse is that I am even scared to do the volunteering (I fear missing my classes and unable to manage my work-life-studies balances). However, I first came across the student organization in my university city called AIESEC in Pécs. Initially, I thought “yep, it is good for my CV, and it is also a Worldwide Organization” so let’s apply and see what happen. OH, MY GOODD!! This has ever been one of the best decisions I have made. There was one of the selection processes called Assessment Center where all the successful interviewees were gathered and had the chance to communicate and be themselves. This was the first opening gate for my volunteering journey. Through AIESEC, I got the chance to connect and expand my social network. One day, I was doing the information desk around the campus, and I came across with one girl. She mentioned me about ESC, and I was like “what is that?” She explained me everything about it and I felt like ESC was waving at me to come ride on the journey.

It was back in 2024; I did my first ever ESC project. I had no experiences in living in rural areas, doing the gardening and cooking for at least 30 people. All the way from my university city to the volunteering venue in Poland, I was questioning “Did I make a mistake?”, “What if I do not like the project?”, “What will happen if I quit the project?”. With those many questions, I arrived at the venue. I swear to God, I still remembered the feelings, sensations I experienced that time. I never felt that safe and home. (I cannot go back home due to the political situations, and I have not met my parents for over two years now, one year back then, that is why I was so emotionally connected to those people).

After that project finished, I was crying all the way from the venue to Budapest. Because I missed them so much and I cannot wait to start another project in my summer of 2025.

After my university academic period was over, it finally came the summer. We all are aware that summer is for the beaches and sand. What is the best location for me to do the volunteering so that I can experience that life and develop myself? 

OF COURSEEEEE!!! ITALLYYYYYY. 

I finished my second 3 months long ESC project in Roccantica, Italy, which is a rural village, 50 minutes away from Roma by train. The whole experience was so magical. I got the opportunities to experience authentic Italian rural life, at the same time, when I got tired of this life, Rome is like 6 euros away. 

Throughout the duration, I got the chance to work in the garden (picking up zucchinis, tomatoes and beans which I and other volunteers grew them), hike and trek in the Monti Sabini, cook different types of Pasta and many more. 

In that duration, there were obviously some struggles and difficulties I had faced; however, isn’t it the whole point of solidarity? Develop yourself in the difficult situations!!! 
My sending organization, Youth Bridge Budapest (YBB), Kincső was also very helpful. She checked in on me regularly and if there were any problems, she was always ready to help.

I really hope to do another project in summer of 2026 as well. Thanks to my previous project experience, I really appreciate that ESC exists and how it can influence on youths’ lives. 

Like I always believe “Try everything once in your entire life”. If you do not like it, you do not have to do it but how could you know whether you like it or not without even trying?

It is me; Delian and I hope my story can shred one ray of sunlight on your Volunteering Journey. If you feel like you are scared or not eligible for this, nobody was born with these skills. Only you can shape your future.

Thanks, you and good luckkkkkk!